Pupils of Pacelli School for the blind share Xmas plans

It was celebration galore at the Pacelli School for the blind last week, as pupils and management held their annual Christmas carol and also lunched their 2016 calender. Olusegun Johnson was there.

The PACELLI School for the blind and partially sighted children had its annual Christmas Carol during the week. The colourful event which had a creative rendition of songs by the pupils also witnessed the launch of its 2016 calender.

The principal of the school Rev. Jane Onyeneri said the event was memorable and would certainly be a source of inspiration for many. Her words: “It is with great pleasure and immense gratitude to God that I welcome you all to this Christmas Carol and launch of 2016 Calendar for the Blind and Partially Sighted children here in Pacelli.”

Happily she goes down memory lane to recall that: “There are people who have been supporting this school for years and that is why we celebrate our Christmas carol this way every year as a way of thanking them for their love and support.”

She added that: “We are appealing to Lagos state to come to our aid to support the school. The total number of students we have here is 135, and they belong to the state. We however need Lagos State to step forward to support us financially to pay our staffs salaries and all individuals because they belong to all of us”.

To buttress her point, Onyeneri informed that: “We are doing this fund-raising for the children, so that they will not run out of cash next year when the session begins. This is also why we are launching our calendar”.

Apart from the core educational programs, the 135 students in Pacelli School also engage in vocational skills such as tye and die, making of perfumes, table mats, key-holders, bags, necklace among other items”.

Former PDP gubernatorial candidate of Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje was a guest and he talked about the need to show love to the less privileged this season. “Christmas is a season of love, a day to remember those that are less-privileged like this. It is a season of hope; hope that Nigeria will become a better country. Pacelli School for the blind has always being there for the blind. Pacelli School has been able to bring about children who might have been thrown away to the backyard. They are here to develop themselves in a way that is unique; this way they would be able to hold their own and compete with those that are sighted”.

The Chairman of the event, retired Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Musiliu Smith was represented by Engineer Saheed, a retired permanent secretary with the Lagos State civil service. “Today is a celebration and we’re happy to be here just as we were here last year. We need to thank God for keeping us alive. I have the privilege to tell you that the retired I.G has promised that he will continue to support Pacelli School for the blind. And to the physically challenged children here, we will never forget you; we always have you in mind. That is why we are here for this gathering and we pray you endure this session.”

On his part, Alhaji Hammed Quamel, a parent of one of the physically challenged students, “We should all learn to see beyond the disability of these children. We have a lot to do and the first step is to come together to look at how we can help. We should not wait or look at what the government will do for us every time”.

Bernard Okodua, a priest with Saint Anthony Catholic Church, Igbaja talked about the vision and mission of the School, as well as some of the achievements recorded over the years.

“It is mainly for the pastoral, spiritual and educational care for the less-privileged children who are visually handicapped. The idea is to give this people the opportunity to realise their potential in the society, despite their disability. Being blind is not the end of life but it is painful to live in darkness. Pacelli School for the blind has gone a step higher to take care of the blind. There are some of them in the universities. We have some lawyers, musicians, teachers and other professionals, who have gone through this school”.

Okodua adds that: “It is a non-fee paying school. The school clothes them, feeds them, buys books for them and educates them. Most especially, Pacelli is not for catholic members alone. Irrespective of your religion, you are always welcome. The government does not fund it, but individuals and private organisations from time to time make donations.

‘Our Christmas plans’ by Pacelli students

Some of the students also spoke about how they intend to spend this Christmas.

Faith Iyejuwa

I see Christmas as a day of joy. A day Christ came into this world and a day to be remembered at all times. During this Christmas, I pray that I have a wonderful time. I will like to visit places, friends and family and I will also be preparing for my JAMB examinations next year.

Moses Udoh

Christmas is a wonderful time and something that I look forward to every year. For me, it will be spent in a glorious way, by the grace of God. During that time, I will be reading my books and visiting friends. These include people I know and those I don’t know.

Nelson Onaja

Christmas is a time to share and give. During Christmas, I will be spending more time with my family by going on trips, visiting different places like restaurants because they promised me that they will take me out. I also look forward to going to the beach.

Lazarus Immanuel

Christmas is something we must commemorate every year for the lord died for our sins. During this Christmas, I will really enjoy going out with friends and going to church to celebrate our Lord Christ Jesus for keeping us alive from January to December.

Afolabi Oluwapelumi

During Christmas, I will like to spend time with my friends and family and I will like to showcase my talent in drama with other people when I go out during the Christmas season.

Femi Adedayo

I will spend time with people at home and travel out with my family. I will also perform the talent we are taught, such as how to make perfumes and beads during the Christmas for my family.